Vol. 2 No. 6 (2025)

Research Articles

A Spatial Equilibrium Evaluation Method of Water Resource Allocation: Case Study of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China

Published 2025-11-30

  • Yuan Liang
    • ,
  • Shaofeng Jia
    • ,
  • Zikun Song
    • ,
  • Lihua Lan

Yuan Liang
Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research image/svg+xml , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences image/svg+xml

Shaofeng Jia
Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research image/svg+xml , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences image/svg+xml

Zikun Song
Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research image/svg+xml , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences image/svg+xml

Lihua Lan
Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research image/svg+xml , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences image/svg+xml

Abstract

Research on the spatial equilibrium of water resource allocation in China can inform the scientific planning of future water diversion projects, supporting water security and the sustainable development of socio-economic systems. Yet studies on spatial equilibrium remain limited. We developed an evaluation method for spatial equilibrium in water resource allocation and conducted regional validation using the South-to-North Water Diversion (SNWD) project. Based on general and spatial equilibrium theory, spatial equilibrium is defined as the equalisation of marginal benefits of water use when interregional water transfer costs are considered. Regions with higher marginal benefits are mainly located east of the “Hu Huanyong Line”, particularly Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi. When project information is available, unit water diver-sion costs can be expressed as a function of delivery distance. Estimated unit costs range from 0.51–3.76 RMB/m³ along the East Route, 0.39–1.49 RMB/ m³ along the Mid Route, and 1.80–4.45 RMB/m³ along the West Route. Link-ing Xuzhou (East Route), Zhengzhou (Mid Route), and Aba Prefecture (West Route) yields a projected spatial equilibrium boundary for eastern China. Further research on marginal benefits, water use costs, and dynamic updates is still needed.

Keywords

spatial equilibrium evaluation method, water resource allocation, cost-benefit analysis, unit cost of water diversion projects, South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWD)

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